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Minnesota grants Coleman release to transfer

TYLER MASON

FS North

MINNEAPOLIS — Joe Coleman's time as a
Minnesota Golden Gopher is over. The school announced Wednesday that Coleman has been granted his release from the program.

"We wish him the very best in the future," new head coach Richard Pitino said in a statement. "We appreciate the contributions he has given the program the last two years."

As a sophomore last year, the 6-foot-4 Coleman averaged 8.7 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game. The former Hopkins High School star was named Minnesota Mr. Basketball in 2011 and the AP Minnesota Player of the Year, as well as a First Team All-State selection. Scout.com ranked him as a three-star recruit.

There was a belief that Pitino's up-and-down style of play would benefit Coleman during his junior season, but obviously Coleman felt otherwise. The
Gophers now have two open scholarships for the 2013-14 season.

With the loss of Coleman and the graduation of
Trevor Mbakwe,
Rodney Williams and Andre Ingram, the Gophers now have zero Minnesotans on their roster for the upcoming season.